After working as an educator and stylist at curly-hair haven Oiudad, Alex Mnayarji has teamed up with longtime friend Allison Lacorazza (who helps run the business side of things) to open her first salon. The loftlike space features an open layout with dropped aluminum ceilings and purple accents. Services include haircuts for women ($95–$135) and men ($75–$105), highlights ($100–$275), deep-conditioning treatments ($75), revitalizing scalp treatments ($115) and relaxers ($175). While prices aren’t cheap, we love that five percent of the salon’s quarterly net profits benefit the Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition (barcshelter.org) and Gilda’s Club (gildasclubnyc.org), a Manhattan home for people living with cancer. Mention TONY to receive a haircut and scalp treatment for $110 (normally $210) or a haircut, face-framing highlights and blowout for $195 (usually $250) through December 31. (646-499-1111, alexanthonysalon.com). Mon–Fri 8:30am–8pm, Sat 8:30am–6pm, Sun by appointment only.

This nonprofit organization opens its first temporary space inside Rudy’s Barbershop, selling knit accessories ($22–$35) made by women in developing countries. Each one-of-a-kind, handmade product is marked by its creator, and proceeds help fund educational programs and provide the artisans with a stable income. Learn about the brand’s cause in Uganda and Peru through video and photography installations while you shop beanies ($25–$30), bow ties ($22), scarves ($30–$35) and tech cases ($30). You can even write a thank-you note to the lady who made your goods. (212-532-7200, krochetkids.org). Mon–Sat 10am–9pm, Sun 11am–7pm. Through Dec 15.

Once a well-kept beauty secret of Hollywood icons, European royalty and New York society swans, Dr. Erno Laszlo’s institute reopens after a 40-year hiatus. Now anyone willing to drop $6,000 for a yearly membership (which includes facials, peels, special serums and laser treatments every three to four weeks) or $2,300 for a three-month version can be pampered like Grace Kelly, the Duchess of Windsor and Gloria Vanderbilt, who once snuck into Laszlo's exclusive facilities, then on Fifth Avenue. The glamorous tri-level spa features six private treatment rooms, a library-turned-lounge replicating Dr. Laszlo’s original 1939 study and a shop hawking the entire skin care line ($39–$325). The ground floor features a rotating art collection curated by author Patricia Eszter Margit (patriciaesztermargit.com). For a bombshell glow without the hefty price tag, pair sea mud cleansing bars ($39)—immortalized by Woody Allen in Annie Hall—with precleansing oils ($45). (646-386-7379, ernolaszlo.com/institute). Mon–Fri 10am–8pm, Sat 10am–7pm, Sun noon–6pm.

Japanese founder Yoshio Sadasue opens the first U.S. store for his brand’s tailored shirts ($79–$180) and ties ($69), made in his native country. Though goods are available for both sexes, most of the merch appeals to men and averages an affordable $70. Find signature dress shirts accented with pearl-oyster buttons ($180), patterned ties ($69) and women’s button-up shirts ($79). (212-308-5266, kamakurashirts.com). Mon–Fri 8am–8pm; Sat, Sun 9am–7pm.

The software giant unveils a pair of holiday shops, giving Apple a run for its money. Glass walls and massive white panels invite tech fanatics into the rectangular store, with wall-length colored posters matching the bright garb worn by store employees. Check out brand-new tablets ($499) with integrated kickstands, HD displays and a touch-screen interface; and Windows 8 software ($70) you can try out on PCs set up on wooden tables throughout the store. Be sure to stock up on tablet-friendly magnetic keyboards ($120) that come in an array of bright hues. 10 Columbus Circle at 59th St • (855-270-6581, microsoftstore.com). Daily 9am–1am. Through Dec 31.